We’ve all heard the phrase, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” This popular saying is often used in conversation or a story when someone is about to do something foolish or risky. If they heed this advice, it means they did not commit to “one basket” but instead hedged their bets with multiple options.

This strategy is how I describe Pee Dee Electric’s common-sense approach to the current energy transition. We know that consumer interest in renewable energy continues to grow. We’ve seen this trend here in North Carolina.

Recent innovations and advances in renewable energy technologies have led to lower costs, making renewables more feasible, accessible and scalable.

Nationally, there is increasing reliance on renewable energy sources at the same time that we’re seeing fossil fuel plants and nuclear plants taken off-line, often ahead of schedule. Additionally, we’re seeing more pressure on the electric grid due to the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events and rising electricity demand.

There is great value in maintaining a diverse mix of fuel sources — nuclear energy, fossil fuels and renewables to ensure reliability, resiliency, and meeting the growing demand for electricity.

Competing Pressures

So how do we balance the challenges of maintaining grid reliability and a changing fuel mix? Solar and wind energy certainly benefit the environment but are limited resources because the sun does not always shine, and the wind does not always blow. Even when combined with battery storage, these resources are still limited by how long the battery lasts until it needs to be recharged. Our primary responsibility is to provide electricity 24/7 to you and our community. To do this, we need reliable sources of power that will meet all the peaks and valleys of on-demand energy in our connected world.

That’s where the popular phrase, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” comes into play. While the use of renewables is increasing, we still need to incorporate other forms of energy into the mix to ensure reliable service. Remember, solar and wind are intermittent power sources. This fact, coupled with the growing demand for renewables, creates challenges.

That’s why we spread our eggs into multiple baskets. There is great value in maintaining a diverse mix of fuel sources — nuclear energy, fossil fuels and renewables to ensure reliability, resiliency, and meeting the growing demand for electricity.

Reliability also means repairing and replacing utility equipment to prevent wear and tear, ensuring our equipment can withstand severe weather while also keeping up with the growing demand for electricity on our system. We are laser-focused on providing our Pee Dee Electric members with reliable and affordable energy. That’s why fuel diversity — or placing our eggs in multiple baskets — is essential to reliability and controlling costs.

The Bottom Line

Lowering the overall carbon footprint in this country means we’re going to electrify more and more of our economy. Solar and wind power are an important part of a broader energy portfolio, but they are not always available. In today’s ever-connected world, people need and expect power around the clock. As our nation increasingly depends on electricity to power the economy, Pee Dee Electric is working for you — our members — as we anticipate, plan and respond to market trends and policy shifts. That’s how we can power your home and our economy, while continuing to serve as your local energy provider.